Parkhurst Wins Best Employer Award, Noted for Green Initiatives

University Business article cites Parkhurst as an example for the future of dining services

Posted 06.25.10 by MICA Communications

Maryland Works Inc., a statewide organization that advocates for employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities, awarded Parkhurst Dining Services at MICA with its Employer of the Year Award. Since the opening of the Meyerhoff House Dining Room, MICA's dining service partners have employed developmentally challenged men and women from Chimes International. The College has 15 employees that run the dish room and service the dining room and servery area. The award was presented on June 24 at the Maryland Works Employment Awards by Cathy Raggio, secretary of the Maryland Department of Disabilities, Alexander Sanchez, secretary of Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, and Bob Hofmann, president and CEO of Maryland Works.

Parkhurst was also noted by University Business for its positive greening initiatives at MICA. The article, Greening Your Dining Services, which appeared in the June 2010 issue, notes the two tons of food waste per month that is composted and then used to beautify the campus. For more on the greening efforts by Parkhurst and the College, click here.

Founded in 1826, Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) is the oldest continuously degree-granting college of art and design in the nation. The College enrolls nearly 3,500 B.F.A., M.F.A., M.A., M.A./M.B.A., M.A.T., M.P.S. and continuing studies students from 49 states and 65 countries in fine arts, design, electronic media, art education, liberal arts, and professional studies degree and non-credit programs. With art and design programs ranked in the top 10 by U.S. News & World Report, MICA is pioneering interdisciplinary approaches to innovation, research, and community and social engagement. Alumni and programming reach around the globe, even as MICA remains a cultural cornerstone in the Baltimore/Washington region, hosting hundreds of exhibitions and events annually by students, faculty and other established artists.